Navigating High School Success: Key Questions to Ponder When Your Child Steps into High School
- Article By: Lisa Frieda Cossham
- Approx. Reading Time: 4 mins
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In today's world, parents often believe their children are more intelligent and skilled than they truly are. Only about 2% of children can be considered highly gifted[1]. Yet, parents strive for their child's success, as the requirements for jobs continue to increase. One common goal is for their child to earn their Abitur, if possible.
- High School
- Intelligence
The Rarity of Highly Gifted Children
- The term "gifted" usually applies to children who excel in at least one area, placing them among the top 10% of their age group[1]. However, "highly gifted" is a less consistent term, often referring to those in the top 1-3% of intellectual ability, known for their exceptional academic or creative achievements.
The Allure of the Abitur
The Significance of the Abitur
- The Abitur is a high school diploma in numerous European countries that qualifies students for university education. It is highly valued for several reasons:
- University Admission: It is a requirement for attending university, a critical aspect for parents looking to give their children better career opportunities.
- Social and Economic Status: Obtaining the Abitur is often considered a key factor for securing higher social and economic status in many countries. It is frequently seen as a gateway to prestigious universities and, ultimately, to better job prospects.
- Job Requirements: Regardless of the evolving job market, traditional academic qualifications like the Abitur continue to be vital for entry into many professional fields. This stems from the assumption that these qualifications demonstrate a certain level of intellectual ability and discipline.
Adapting to Job Market Changes and the Role of the Abitur
- Embracing Job Market Shifts: Although the job market demands a wide range of skills beyond traditional academic achievements, such as creativity, teamwork, and adaptability, the Abitur provides a solid academic foundation. It shows a student's capacity to handle complex coursework and meet rigorous academic standards.
- The Abitur's Perceived Value: The Abitur is often seen as a symbol of academic accomplishment and a stepping stone to higher education. Many parents believe this will give their children a competitive edge in the job market.
In essence, while only a minimal percentage of children are highly gifted, the Abitur maintains significance for many parents due to its role in securing university places and its perceived value in ensuring better career prospects.
[1] Lee, J. (2016). Understanding Giftedness: What Parents Need To Know About Their Gifted Children. [Online]. Available: https://www.intellectualcy.com/understanding-giftedness-parents-need-know-gifted-children/ (Accessed: 20th May 2023)
- High school is a crucial period for children to develop their intelligence and academic skills, setting the foundation for their education-and-self-development and future career opportunities.
- Parents' goals for their child's high school education often include earning the Abitur, a highly valued diploma in many European countries that demonstrates a student's learning and academically rigorous achievements, offering enhanced chances for university admission, social and economic status, and career prospects.
